Guest Picks: Little Kitchen Necessities

Despite my wish for a grand, weatherproof kitchen daily, I make due (very well, thank you very much) in my little cooking area. I am always searching for ways to make the most of the area without feeling cluttered, and these are some of my current favorites — along with a few wishlist items. — Liza from (a)Musing Foodie

Armstrong

Pullout Perforated Organizer with Hooks

Who doesn’t have a wasted nook between cabinets? I love this idea for hanging kitchen utensils.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Wilton Indulgence Three-Tier Cooling Rack – $9.99

The best use of my counter area is piling vertical. I adore my stackable cookie cooling unit. They’re great to set hot pans on, also.

Lowe’s

Rev-A-Shelf In-Cabinet Chrome Cabinet Organizer – $111

Fit twice the number of pans in a little area. Perfect.

Williams-Sonoma

Enclume Round Pot Rack – $248

If I had a little island, this could be above it — talk about a space saver when you have limited cabinets.

Amazon

Chilewich Ray Tray, White – $120

I first saw this on Chef Giada De Laurentiis’ kitchen counter tops, and I have coveted it ever since. It is somewhat expensive, but it could tuck perfectly into a counter’s corner.

IKEA

GRUNDTAL Spotlight, Nickel Plated – $24.99

It seems silly, but a modest under-cabinet lighting goes a very long way in a little kitchen. I love mine!

Crate&Barrel

Wüsthof ® Aluminum Magnetic Knife Holder – $59.95

My magnetic knife holder is awesome. In addition, I use it to hang things such as measuring spoons, so that it makes for a fast grab while cooking.

Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware – $29

Williams-Sonoma Pantry Dinnerware is ideal: simple, clean, easy to dress up, just right for a casual lunch. When you’ve got a little space you need only 1 pair of good dishes, and these fit the bill without breaking the bank.

Crate&Barrel

simplehuman® 13-Gallon Recycler Trash Can – $179.95

A slim trashcan can slip neatly along with a counter or fridge. This one even lets you separate trash and recycling — you can, two jobs.

Modern Display And Wall Shelves – $129.95

I’ve had a shelf just like this for 10 years. It has followed me out of my first little kitchen to my current little kitchen. It is ideal for a few favorite cookbooks, in addition to storing baking dishes and mixing bowls.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Forma Over-the-Cabinet Single Hook – $3.99

With limited drawer space and also the need to get your pot holders within arm’s reach, this is the best inexpensive and simple solution.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Roll-Out Under-Sink Drawer – $74.99

Annoyed with all of the clutter under your sink? Not enough room? Yes. This is a fab solution. Maximize the height to make the most of the space.

Macy’s

Howard Elliott Mirror, Superior – $350

Make any small space feel larger with a mirror. It really can brighten up things in the kitchenideally if near a window to help reflect the light.

Not everyone’s budget has room for this, but if yours does, it may be a good investment. As Alton Brown would say, no one-trick ponies! This does the work of four different ovens, such as a microwave and a convection oven. And it is built in, saving counter area. Beautiful.

Lowe’s

Harbor Breeze Eastview Aged Bronze Ceiling Fan – $229

It gets hot in a little kitchen, so having the ability to maintain the air moving is key. I like to crank the ceiling fan and start a window at the summer or spring if the oven is going strong.

Pier 1 Imports

Carmichael Dining Table – $299

It is an island. It is a table. It is a buffet. Versatility at its best is so very important in a small kitchen.

Cabinet Parts

Door Mount Spice Rack – $44.27

Maintain the spices and oils corralled so that you have spare space on your shelves for larger things. Just a tiny order goes a very long way.

IKEA

GRUNDTAL Wall Rack/Dish Drainer, Stainless Steel – $10.99

This drying rack is very good for a sink with no window above it, however, you may also buy Grundtal hooks to hang other things from the railing: ladles, oven mitts, tongs — the options are endless. Thank you, Ikea.

Bed Bath & Beyond

simplehuman Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder – $24.99

Paper towel holders who sit on the counter not just take up space, but are also rather unstable and tip readily. A hardy wall-mounted holder is amazing, especially when you only have one hand to pull on off a towel.